Readers of The Merriweather Post may be getting their wish! Back in March 2022, a reader asked a question about nightlife options in Downtown Columbia specifically inquiring about whether a bar/arcade such as Game On Bar + Arcade, would be a good fit. The question was posted as a Question of the Week Facebook post, and a robust conversation followed.
Now, it appears that Downtown Columbia will actually be getting a Game-On Bar + Arcade of our own, as the owners of Game-On Bar + Arcade were quoted in an article in yesterday's Baltimore Sun that they have plans to open a location in Merriweather District later this year. (See: Bites and Bits, Baltimore Sun, January 4, 2023)
Game-On Bar + Arcade is a bar with locations in both Annapolis and Federal Hill that features new and vintage arcade games like Pac-Man and Dance Dance Revolution, skee-ball, pinball machines, and pop-a-shot basketball hoops. The bar serves alcoholic slushies, 21+ capri-suns, Jello shots, and "cold-ass" beer. The menu features classic bar food like wings, fries, hot dogs, and more. Murals of classic video game characters adorn the walls. Theme nights like 90s parties, glow parties, and pajama parties are regularly advertised on their Instagram. Game-On Bar + Arcade is open to adults only during the evenings. Children, accompanied by an adult, are allowed during the day.
Yesterday's Baltimore Sun article announced that Game-On Bar + Arcade is adding private karaoke and video game rooms (rentable in 30 minute or 60-minute blocks) to their Annapolis location. It was also revealed that owners Casey and Eli Linthicum have plans to open more Game-On arcade bars later this year, including one in the Merriweather District.
No word if they have actually leased a spot in Columbia yet, but as noted during the the recent article Merriweather District Leasing Retail Round-Up, TMP-style, (October 21, 2022) several retail spaces remain in available in both Juniper and Marlow.
